While there may be a rivalry lighting up Bozeman this weekend, there’s only friendly collaboration between the agencies working to oversee safety for the event. Bozeman and Missoula Police Departments are teaming up to keep the FCS Semi-Final Playoff football game safe.

Bozeman will host the Cat/Griz playoff game on Saturday, Dec. 20 at 2 p.m. in Bobcat Stadium. As part of a mutual aid agreement, MPD will send patrol officers to support Bozeman Police as they work to ensure public safety and an enjoyable event for the city. The City of Bozeman and the City of Missoula will share the cost of the extra officers. The City of Missoula will remain fully staffed and capable of all normal operational needs.

Both cities and police departments benefit from this partnership, which helps maintain an essential working relationship between MPD and BPD. For Bozeman, it adds additional public safety support during a high-attendance event. For MPD officers, it provides a unique professional development opportunity to assist with a large-scale event they may not regularly experience. In addition to MPD’s assistance, many other local and state law enforcement agencies will provide staff to ensure this is a safe and fun weekend.

There’s more at stake here than a chance at the playoff game, though. The Missoula and Bozeman Police Chiefs have agreed to a friendly wager. The chief of the city whose team loses the game will have to wear the other team’s apparel during the next work week.

“There will be an increased law enforcement presence at the game and in the City of Bozeman this weekend,” says Chief Jim Veltkamp. “Our goal is simply to ensure everyone stays safe. We know tensions may be high, but we ask everyone to stay respectful of each other. At the end of the day, this historic event is the culmination of an incredible year for both teams.”